Manufactured Home
Knowledge Base & FAQ

A factory-built home constructed entirely in a climate-controlled facility and built to the federal HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) code. These homes are transported on a permanent steel chassis to the home site. They offer excellent quality control, energy efficiency, and affordability. Available in single-wide, double-wide, and triple-wide configurations.

A home built in sections (modules) in a factory, then transported to the building site and assembled on a permanent foundation. Unlike manufactured homes, modular homes are built to the same state and local building codes as traditional site-built homes. They typically appraise and finance like conventional homes and offer stronger resale value.

A hybrid construction that combines the best of both worlds—built to state and local building codes like a modular home, but constructed on a permanent steel frame similar to a manufactured home. This means it meets rigorous structural and energy standards while benefiting from factory efficiency. These homes typically appraise and finance like conventional homes.

The federal building standard established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that governs the design, construction, strength, durability, transportability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency of manufactured homes. Every HUD-compliant home features a red certification label on the exterior confirming it meets these strict federal standards.

A manufactured home consisting of one section, typically 14-18 feet wide and 60-80 feet long, offering 700-1,200 square feet of living space. Single-wides are the most affordable option and are ideal for individuals, couples, or small families. They can be placed on private land or in manufactured home communities.

A manufactured home made of two sections joined together on-site, typically 24-32 feet wide and 40-76 feet long, providing 1,000-2,400 square feet of living space. Double-wides offer a more traditional home feel with open floor plans, multiple bedrooms, and spacious living areas.

The largest manufactured home option, consisting of three or more sections joined together on-site. Triple-wides can exceed 2,500 square feet and offer luxury features, multiple bedrooms, and expansive living spaces comparable to traditional site-built homes.

A traditional home constructed entirely on the building site using conventional framing methods. While typically more expensive and time-consuming than factory-built options, site-built homes offer maximum customization. Our modular and manufactured homes offer comparable quality at a fraction of the cost and time.

A complete turnkey solution where the land and home are purchased together in a single transaction with one closing. This simplifies the buying process, often results in better financing terms, and means you work with one team from start to finish. Our packages include site preparation, utility connections, foundation, home installation, and finishing.

A comprehensive building service where we handle every aspect of your home project from start to finish. This includes lot clearing, site grading, utility connections, foundation or pier installation, home delivery and setup, exterior finishing, interior completion, final inspections, and landscaping. You receive a move-in ready home without coordinating multiple contractors.

If you already own property, we can place a manufactured or modular home on your land. Licensed builder Mike Pierce oversees the entire process including permits, lot clearing, site preparation, foundation work, home installation, and all finishing touches. This option gives you the freedom to choose your location while we handle all construction.

A foundation system that permanently anchors the home to the ground, typically a concrete slab, crawl space, or full basement. A permanent foundation is required for most traditional financing (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional) and can increase the home’s resale value. It also helps the home qualify as real property rather than personal property.

A foundation system using concrete piers or blocks to support the home above ground level. This is common for manufactured homes and works well in areas with expansive soils or flood zones. Pier and beam foundations allow easy access to plumbing and utilities beneath the home.

The permanent steel undercarriage on which manufactured homes are built and transported. The chassis provides structural support and is an integral part of the home. For manufactured homes, the chassis remains with the home permanently. Modular on-frame homes also use a steel chassis while meeting state building codes.

Wind resistance classifications for manufactured homes. Zone 2 homes are designed to withstand wind speeds up to 100 mph, while Zone 3 homes can handle winds up to 110 mph. In the Wiregrass region of Alabama, hurricane-rated construction is important for safety. Our homes feature reinforced framing, impact-resistant windows, enhanced roof systems, and engineered tie-downs.

A system of straps, anchors, and ground connections that secure a manufactured home to its foundation or the ground. Proper tie-downs are critical for wind resistance and are required by HUD code. The specific requirements depend on the wind zone and soil conditions at your home site.

A mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration that offers low down payments (as low as 3.5%) and more flexible credit requirements than conventional loans. FHA loans are popular with first-time homebuyers and are available for both manufactured and modular homes that meet certain requirements, including being on a permanent foundation.

A mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, available to eligible military service members, veterans, and their surviving spouses. VA loans offer zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates. The home must be on a permanent foundation and meet VA minimum property requirements.

A mortgage program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for eligible rural and suburban homebuyers. USDA loans offer 100% financing (no down payment) with competitive rates and low mortgage insurance. Much of the Wiregrass region qualifies for USDA financing, making this an excellent option for buyers in our area.

A home loan not insured or guaranteed by a government agency. Conventional loans typically require higher credit scores and larger down payments (5-20%) but often offer the best interest rates for qualified buyers. They’re available for manufactured homes on permanent foundations and all modular homes.

A loan specifically for personal property (the home only, not the land). Chattel loans are common for manufactured homes that are not on a permanent foundation or are on leased land. They typically have higher interest rates than traditional mortgages but offer easier approval, lower credit requirements, and faster closing times (30-45 days).

A single loan that covers both the purchase of land and the home in one package. This simplifies financing with one application, one closing, and one monthly payment. Land-home loans are available through both 21st Mortgage (for chattel/manufactured) and Nexa Lending (for traditional programs).

A lender’s conditional commitment to lend you a specific amount based on a review of your credit, income, and financial situation. Getting pre-approved before shopping for a home helps you understand your budget, strengthens your negotiating position, and speeds up the buying process. We recommend applying with both our lending partners to compare options.

The upfront cash payment you make toward the purchase of your home. Down payment requirements vary by loan type: FHA (3.5%), Conventional (5-20%), VA (0%), USDA (0%), and Chattel (varies). A larger down payment typically results in lower monthly payments and better interest rates.

Insurance that protects the lender if you default on your loan. PMI is typically required on conventional loans when your down payment is less than 20%. VA loans never require PMI. FHA loans have their own mortgage insurance premium (MIP). PMI can be removed once you reach 20% equity in your home.

A manufactured home on a permanent foundation with the title retired is considered "real property" (like a traditional house) and qualifies for traditional mortgage financing. A manufactured home on a non-permanent foundation or with an active vehicle title is "personal property" and requires chattel financing. Converting to real property can improve financing options and resale value.

The legal process of converting a manufactured home from personal property to real property by surrendering the vehicle title and recording the home as part of the real estate. This is typically required for traditional mortgage financing (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional) and can increase the home’s value and financing options.

A metal plate affixed to the exterior of every HUD-compliant manufactured home, certifying that it was built to federal standards. The red label includes the home’s serial number, date of manufacture, and the inspection agency. This label is required for financing and is proof of code compliance. Never remove or tamper with a HUD label.

A paper document located inside a manufactured home (usually in a kitchen cabinet or electrical panel) that contains important information about the home including the manufacturer, serial number, model, date of manufacture, wind zone rating, roof load zone, and thermal zone. This document is essential for financing, insurance, and verifying the home’s specifications.

Local government regulations that determine what types of structures can be placed on a specific piece of land. Zoning laws vary by county and municipality and may affect whether you can place a manufactured or modular home on a particular property. Our team helps navigate local zoning requirements to ensure your home placement is compliant.

Official approvals required from local government before construction or home placement can begin. Permits ensure the project meets local building codes, zoning requirements, and safety standards. As your licensed builder, we handle all permit applications and inspections throughout the process.

The minimum distance a home must be placed from property lines, roads, and other structures as required by local zoning laws. Setbacks vary by location and can affect where on your property the home can be placed. We evaluate setback requirements during the initial site assessment.